After losing two stars to the MLB Draft, the Miami Hurricanes bolstered the roster by landing blue-chip outfielder Anthony Murphy, a powerful California native who flipped from LSU.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes’ 2026 baseball recruiting class will take a couple of hits. Shortstop Jacob Lombard (No. 14 Miami Marlins) and left-handed pitcher Gio Rojas (No. 16 Texas Rangers) were MLB first-round selections. They are very likely to sign and chase professional baseball dreams instead of wearing “The U’s” uniform.
Despite the losses, a highly-touted recruit is set on becoming part of the program’s future. Outfielder Anthony Murphy announced on Friday that he was decommitting from LSU. The No. 39-ranked high school recruit would flip to the Hurricanes hours later.
“Guided by faith, family, and friends, I am officially committing to the University of Miami,” Murphy said in an Instagram post. “I’m incredibly grateful to coach J.D. Arteaga and his staff for their belief in me from the start. Proud to say I’m a Miami Hurricane!”
The California native attended Corona High School. In four seasons, he batted .387 with a 1.156 OPS, including 180 hits in 465 at-bats, 24 doubles, nine triples, and 35 home runs in 128 games.
Defensively, Murphy primarily plays at center field. He logged a .981 fielding percentage, including 204 putouts in 215 total chances, seven assists, and committed only four errors. However, Murphy has experience on the mound. As a senior, the righty pitched in 16 innings, carving out a 3.94 ERA, a 2-3 record, and four saves.
In the MLB Draft, Murphy was selected with the No. 466 pick (16th round) by the Washington Nationals. There is no signing bonus involved. It’s a clear path for him to play collegiate baseball – calling Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field home.
The 19-year-old will have an opportunity to play right away in the outfield. Returning sophomore Dylan Dubovik is likely a guaranteed starter for next season – playing at left field. The rest of the outfield depth chart is up for grabs.
Fabio Peralta and Michael Torres are juniors with experience at center field. Murphy will have to battle them out for the starting job. He has the bat and power to make a case.
The Hurricanes landed outfield transfer and former Pacific Tigers Braeden Schnabel. He’s likely to take right field and fill the Derek Williams void.
Coach Arteaga isn’t afraid to play freshmen. Dubovik, catcher Alonzo Alvarez, and third baseman Gabriel Milano delivered an immediate impact last season. It started with making the most of limited opportunities, eventually earning everyday roles.
Murphy could be next in line to shine right away.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
